Are you afraid to speak in public?  A large group or even a small group can bring on an anxiety attack for some people.  It has been reported that people that have a fear of speaking in front of a group would rather walk into a burning building!  Personally, I would rather not get that close to a fire! Kathy Sheehan

For me, I actually overcame any fear of public speaking at a fairly early age.  I was President of our local council's Explorer Association.  (The Explorer program is the high school group of the Boy Scouts of America, yes I was a Boy Scout!)  Every year, it was expected that the President of the Association made a presentation to the annual awards luncheon.  I was nervous when I learned that there would be 100 people in attendance. 

So I worked for weeks with my coach.  I wrote and re-wrote the speech and practiced over and over again.  I have remembered the lessons I learned all those years ago.  When addressing a group, the greatest success will come with proper preparation.  Identify three key points you wish to make.  Stay focused on them, remember your audience. Too much information and you run the risk of losing their attention, not enough content just seems like a waste of time.

I should mention, my coach pulled a fast one.  When I walked into the room, it was obvious that there were going to be more than 100 people.  The room was set with tables of 10.  I saw more than 10 tables.... it was closer to 40!  Yes, it was a room of 400!  In the end, it didn't matter.  I was prepared and focused.  I also am happy to say, I am not afraid to speak in public.

 

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Kathleen Sheehan

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Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #25839

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The opinions and general information in this blog are soley those of Kathy Sheehan.  Specifics regarding an individual case should be discussed in detail with a loan professional.  For a confidential consultation, please feel free to contact me via phone or email.  All terms and conditions are subject to change.

 

 
Posted by Kathy Sheehan on 10/28/2012 10:07 AM   Comments (18)   ActiveRain Community in the ActiveRain Channel   public speaking, kathy sheehan, mortgage  
Originally posted at: Loans By Kathy: Are you afraid to speak in public?
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18 Comments on Are you afraid to speak in public?

OCT
28
624,631 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Kathy-I like it, once all the practicing is over just focus on a few points. Excellent advise. 
10:11am • #1
408,910 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thank you Adrian!
10:24am • #2
142,476 Points 3 Featured Posts

If you know your subject then a little nervous stomach is fine but nothing to be scared of, now if you don't know your subject be scared!

Have A Great Day
10:26am • #3
408,910 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Doris, just like anything if you are prepared, there is no fear!
10:27am • #4
Outside Blog

Kathy, It's a great gift to have!  So many people are afraid of speaking in front of others.  I had taken a college acting class and it was one of the best experiences in helping overcome speaking fears.  I like your tip about the 3 points.  I will keep that one in mind!-Melanie
10:28am • #5
982,509 Points 79 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Actually, I enjoy speaking in front of a group, but it wasn't always that way.  I hated it in school.  You need to be prepared and have that little bit of "flutter" in your stomach, but not fear.  Great advice Kathy.
10:31am • #6
945,762 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

That Toastmasters Group is invaluable, too...it is about preparation, definitely...and, remembering to breathe!
10:49am • #7
408,910 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Melanie, the three is the key!

Roger, I love to speak in front of groups, NOW!

I haven't really checked out Toastmasters.... maybe I will.
10:53am • #8
476,356 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I could tell by your posts you weren't shy.  :)  We all have different personalities and I am blessed to be able to speak in public as well.  Good post!
2:52pm • #9
857,728 Points 174 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

My first serious speaking engagement was at a major trade show with about 500 people in the room.  I was scared to death and almost didn't get up to the stage.  Once I survived (literally what it felt like) that experience, I gained more confidence and the rest was history.  The fear of speaking always remains a bit, I think, but experience and expertise in the topic definitely make it easier.
3:13pm • #10
1,498,321 Points 352 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kathy...

I got over my fear a long time ago!

Featured in the Group "Whacked!!!"
3:13pm • #11
585,905 Points 57 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Kathy -- they say fear of speaking in public is the greatest fear -- I took Public Speaking classes in the eighth grade -- talk about a frightening experience for a 12 or 13 year old with a changing voice.   
6:45pm • #12
408,910 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Joy, I don't know why you don't think I am not shy?????/  

Bryan, you have me beat by 100.  I should have mentioned I was 16 at the time.

Richard, I can believe that!!

Michael, I wasn't much older when I made this presentation.
7:21pm • #13
OCT
29
1,342,657 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I think everyone is nervous at the beginning of public speaking but with time most of us get used to it. Great post!
5:58pm • #14
OCT
30
697,940 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I had the opposite problem.  I could speak on stage.  I love acting.  But, when I was a Mary Kay representative back in the 70s, speaking for the first time in a living room with eight people flustered me to no end....but, I was pregnant, too.  So the hormones probably made it worse.  I lived through it, and had a great "party".  Sales are in my blood, I guess.
2:49pm • #15
1,333,747 Points 128 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I remember the first time introducing a speaker at my daughter's school...it was scary! Now I am very comfortable and enjoy it. Just think when you do a listing presentation...you get hired or not. When speaking...nothing to lose....other than your dignity. :)

If you can pick out one person in the audience to focus on...it is easier.

Margaret
5:45pm • #16
OCT
31
874,097 Points 48 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

That's awesome. Yes, speaking in public is not my cup of tea. I keep saying I am going to join Toastmasters, but have never done it.
10:50am • #17
679,076 Points 51 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Kathy, I'm pretty sure that it's more common, than not, that most people are genuinely afraid to speak in front of large groups of people.
12:25pm • #18


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